Obama Presidential Center’s ID policy sparks voter ID hypocrisy claims

The Obama Presidential Center is facing a wave of backlash ahead of its opening, with critics lambasting its admissions policies and raising broader concerns about the cost and management of the project.

Conservative commentators on social media are attacking the center’s requirement that Illinois residents show valid ID to receive free admission on certain days, arguing that it contrasts with Democratic opposition to voter ID laws.

“They make you show ID…to visit the Obama Library…in Chicago. You can’t make this stuff up!” wrote one social media user.

“The Obama Presidential Library requires people to show an ID as proof of Illinois residency to get in for free,” posted another. “So residents have to prove who they are for that, but not to vote?”

VALERIE JARRETT REVEALS PRESIDENT TRUMP NOT INVITED TO OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER OPENING CEREMONY

The text of former President Obama’s speech marking the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Alabama, is wrapped around the side of the upcoming Presidential Center in Chicago. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service)

Others echoed this sentiment more bluntly, with one article writing: “Turns out Democratic support requires ID…but only for free entry into Obama’s library.” »

Obama’s website clearly states that Illinois residents “must be able to provide proof of residency. Be prepared to show proof of residency to the museum with a valid photo ID, Illinois driver’s license, state ID, or city-issued ID.”

Critics also pointed to reported restrictions related to advance ticket giveaways, including the claim that some promotions would be limited to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.

The latest controversy builds on a series of previous criticisms of the $850 million project.

OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER SLAMMED FOR PROMOTING A “FAR LEFT” AGENDA ON PUBLIC LANDS

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (left) joins former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama during a groundbreaking ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park September 28, 2021, in Chicago. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Earlier this year, the Obama Foundation drew backlash after seeking 75 to 100 unpaid volunteers, dubbed “ambassadors,” to help operate the center, even as top executives received substantial salaries. Federal records show CEO Valerie Jarrett has earned about $740,000 a year in recent years, while the foundation’s overall compensation has increased significantly.

The project has also faced increasing scrutiny over its financial impact on taxpayers.

Former President Barack Obama once described the center as a “gift” to Chicago, noting that it would be privately funded. While construction of the 19.3-acre campus is funded by private donations, the surrounding infrastructure needed to support the site, including road redesigns, utility relocations and drainage systems, is publicly funded.

Early estimates put those infrastructure costs at around $350 million, split between the city and state. But more recent figures show that Illinois alone has committed about $229 million, while Chicago has allocated more than $200 million for related improvements — although officials have not provided a clear, consolidated total of taxpayer spending related to the project.

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Exterior view of the Obama Presidential Center tower under construction in Chicago. (Fox 32 Chicago)

“No agency appears to oversee the entirety” of infrastructure work, and critics say a lack of transparency has made it difficult to determine the true public cost.

Illinois Republican Party Chairwoman Kathy Salvi criticized the plan, saying taxpayers “have to pay hundreds of millions of dollars” while accusing state leaders of mismanagement.

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The controversy is further fueled by the very nature of the site. The center is located on nearly 20 acres of historic Jackson Park land transferred under a long-term agreement, with significant road changes including the removal of a major thoroughfare and utility overhauls necessary to accommodate the campus.

Foundation officials have defended the project, saying the center is funded by $850 million in private investment and will serve as an economic catalyst for Chicago’s South Side, generating jobs, community programs and public amenities.

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Despite the backlash, the center is moving forward with its long-awaited debut.

Tickets for the museum go on sale April 21 for “founding members,” with sales to the general public beginning May 6. Visitors can reserve timed entry tickets for dates between June 19 and November 30.

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Admission is set at $30 for adults and $23 for children ages 3-11, with reduced rates available for Illinois residents who provide proof of residency. Children 2 and under can enter free and Illinois residents will be eligible for free admission on Tuesday.

All entries will be timed, with officials urging guests to arrive within 10 minutes of their scheduled slot. The museum will feature four levels of exhibits, including a replica of the Oval Office and the Sky Room.

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Much of the surrounding campus, including gardens, walking paths, a playground, a branch of the Chicago Public Library and dozens of newly commissioned artworks, will be free and open to the public.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Obama Foundation and the Barack Obama Presidential Library for comment.

Michael Dorgan of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.